Parenting program now in 26 countries

A University of Queensland-developed program designed to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families is now available in 26 countries.

Parents of children with a disability in Denmark will soon get support from the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, with provider training in Stepping Stones Triple P now under way in Copenhagen.

UQ Parenting and Family Support Centre Director Professor Matt Sanders said the decision by the Danish Government to trial Stepping Stones was important recognition of the value of the program for families of children with a disability.

“Denmark is recognised as a world-leader and innovator in social welfare and support,” Professor Sanders said.

“We are delighted that their research into evidence-based programs brought them to Triple P and Stepping Stones, and we are confident that Danish families will benefit, just as other families have around the world.”

Socialstyrelsen – the National Board of Social Services, Denmark – is funding a two-year pilot of Stepping Stones Triple P for parents of children aged two to12 years in families where at least one child has a disability.

The aim of the Stepping Stones Pilot Project is to improve parents’ emotional wellbeing and happiness by providing coping skills and strategies to help them teach their children new skills, manage behaviour and guide development.

Socialstyrelsen consultant Signe Danø Andersen said having a child with a disability placed enormous strain on parents and their families.

“We believe by offering a range of Triple P support programs, parents will be able to get the skills they need to cope better with everyday life and support their child’s development in a positive way,” Ms Andersen said.

“We also want to provide our professionals and municipalities with evidence-based methods to support families of children with special needs.”

Five municipalities have collaborated to deliver Stepping Stones programmes.

Providers will also be trained to deliver Enhanced Triple P, a support program for parents whose parenting is complicated by factors such as stress, mental health issues or partner conflict.

The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, developed by UQ and distributed under exclusive licence by Brisbane-based Triple P International, is estimated to have helped millions of families around the world.